The 2023 sports calendar delivered a historic array of individual performances, culminating in the selection of elite champions like Lionel Messi, Shohei Ohtani, Simone Biles, and Deion Sanders for prestigious "Athlete of the Year" honors. These awards, presented by organizations such as TIME, the Associated Press, and Sports Illustrated, recognized not only statistical dominance but also profound cultural and economic impacts on the global sporting landscape.
Looking back from the vantage point of 2026, the year 2023 remains a watershed moment for professional sports. It was a period defined by the convergence of traditional athletic excellence and the massive commercial shifts caused by athlete movement and brand power. From the soccer pitches of Florida to the baseball diamonds of Tokyo and the gymnastics mats of Belgium, the champions revealed in late 2023 set benchmarks that continue to influence how we measure greatness today.
The Global Icon: Lionel Messi and the TIME Athlete of the Year
In December 2023, TIME Magazine named Lionel Messi its Athlete of the Year. While Messi had spent two decades as a global superstar, his 2023 campaign was unique because of its impact on North American sports culture. Following his 2022 World Cup victory with Argentina, Messi made the monumental decision to join Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer (MLS).
The "Messi Effect" on North American Soccer
Messi’s arrival in the United States was more than a transfer; it was a socio-economic event. Upon his debut, ticket prices for MLS matches surged by over 1,000% in secondary markets. TIME recognized Messi not just for his play—which included leading Inter Miami to their first-ever trophy in the Leagues Cup—but for his ability to transform the perception of soccer in the U.S.
His presence drove record-breaking subscriptions to the Apple TV MLS Season Pass, proving that a single athlete could shift the financial trajectory of an entire league. Messi’s 2023 highlights included sensational free-kick goals and a level of playmaking that defied his age, solidifying his status as the sport's ultimate ambassador even as he entered the twilight of his career.
Statistical Context and the Eighth Ballon d'Or
In addition to the TIME honor, Messi also secured his record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or in late 2023. While the award technically covered his performance during the 2022-23 season (including the World Cup), the reveal in 2023 cemented his year as one of the most decorated in history. He became the first active MLS player to receive the award, bridging the gap between European dominance and the emerging American soccer market.
Breaking Boundaries: Shohei Ohtani and Simone Biles (Associated Press)
The Associated Press (AP) revealed its Male and Female Athletes of the Year in late December 2023, choosing two icons who redefined the limits of their respective sports: Shohei Ohtani and Simone Biles.
Shohei Ohtani: The Unprecedented Two-Way Star
Shohei Ohtani earned the AP Male Athlete of the Year title for the second time in three years. His 2023 season was nothing short of mythic. Before the MLB season even began, Ohtani led Japan to victory in the World Baseball Classic (WBC), striking out his then-teammate Mike Trout in a cinematic final showdown.
In the MLB, Ohtani hit 44 home runs and maintained an ERA of 3.14 as a pitcher before an elbow injury curtailed his season. Despite the injury, his 2023 performance led to the largest contract in sports history—a $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The AP honor reflected his status as a "unicorn," a player capable of leading the league in both power hitting and elite pitching, a feat essentially unseen since the era of Babe Ruth.
Simone Biles: The Triumphant Return
On the women's side, the AP selected Simone Biles as the Female Athlete of the Year. Her 2023 season was a masterclass in resilience and skill. After a two-year hiatus following the Tokyo Olympics—where she famously withdrew to prioritize her mental health—Biles returned to the world stage at the 2023 World Gymnastics Championships in Antwerp.
Biles won four gold medals in Antwerp, including her sixth all-around world title. She also successfully landed the "Biles II" on vault, a Yurchenko double pike that is considered the most difficult jump in women's gymnastics history. Her 2023 honors highlighted a significant cultural shift: the recognition of an athlete’s mental well-being as being just as vital as their physical performance.
Cultural Impact: Deion Sanders as Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year
Sports Illustrated (SI) took a different approach in 2023, naming University of Colorado head football coach Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders as its Sportsperson of the Year. While most Athlete of the Year awards focus on on-field stats, SI’s choice emphasized the transformative power of personality and branding.
The "Coach Prime" Phenomenon
Sanders took over a Colorado Buffaloes team that had won only one game the previous year. Within months, he turned Boulder, Colorado, into the epicenter of the sporting world. The highlights of his 2023 reveal were less about the team’s final win-loss record and more about the "Prime Effect":
- TV Ratings: Colorado games accounted for some of the highest-rated broadcasts in college football history.
- Economic Boom: Local businesses in Boulder reported record revenues during home games.
- Recruiting and NIL: Sanders leveraged Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules to rebuild a roster entirely through the transfer portal, signaling a new era in college athletics.
By naming Sanders, SI acknowledged that in the modern era, "sporting greatness" is often measured by influence, media footprint, and the ability to disrupt traditional systems.
Excellence on the Field: 2023 ESPY Winners
The ESPY Awards, held in July 2023, provided an early look at the year's top performers as voted on by fans and experts. These awards often serve as a precursor to the year-end "Best of" lists.
Patrick Mahomes: Best Athlete, Men’s Sports
Following a season where he won the Super Bowl and the NFL MVP award, Patrick Mahomes was the clear choice for the ESPY. His 2023 highlights included playing through a high ankle sprain in the playoffs and delivering a historic performance in Super Bowl LVII. Mahomes' ability to innovate the quarterback position through no-look passes and off-platform throws made him the face of the NFL.
Mikaela Shiffrin: Best Athlete, Women’s Sports
Alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin was honored for a 2023 season in which she became the greatest of all time in her discipline. Shiffrin broke the long-standing record for the most World Cup wins (86), previously held by Ingemar Stenmark. Her 87th and 88th victories in early 2023 solidified her legacy as a technical marvel and an endurance icon in winter sports.
Track and Field Dominance: World Athletics Highlights
In December 2023, World Athletics introduced a new format for its Athlete of the Year awards, dividing them into three categories (Track, Field, and Out of Stadium) to better represent the diversity of the sport.
| Athlete | Category | Key 2023 Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Noah Lyles | Men's Track | Triple gold medalist at World Championships (100m, 200m, 4x100m). |
| Faith Kipyegon | Women's Track | Set world records in the 1,500m, mile, and 5,000m. |
| Mondo Duplantis | Men's Field | Improved his own pole vault world record to 6.23m. |
| Yulimar Rojas | Women's Field | Secured her fourth consecutive world title in the triple jump. |
| Kelvin Kiptum | Men's Out of Stadium | Set a world record at the Chicago Marathon (2:00:35). |
| Tigst Assefa | Women's Out of Stadium | Shattered the women's marathon world record by over two minutes. |
The inclusion of Kelvin Kiptum was particularly poignant. His 2023 performance in Chicago brought humanity closer than ever to a sub-two-hour marathon in a competitive race. Looking back from 2026, his 2023 season remains one of the most significant endurance feats in history.
The Absolute Dominance of Aitana Bonmatí
While Lionel Messi dominated the headlines in men's soccer, Aitana Bonmatí was arguably the most successful athlete of 2023 across any sport. The Spanish midfielder won nearly every trophy available to her:
- FIFA Women's World Cup: Champion and Golden Ball winner (Best Player).
- UEFA Women's Champions League: Champion with FC Barcelona.
- Ballon d'Or Féminin: Winner.
- UEFA Women's Player of the Year: Winner.
Bonmatí’s 2023 campaign was the quintessential "perfect season." Her technical proficiency and leadership on the pitch for both club and country made her the definitive choice for various international Athlete of the Year lists, including the Laureus World Sports Awards considerations.
Analysis: Why 2023 Was a Turning Point
The "Athlete of the Year" reveals of 2023 showcased a shift in how we evaluate sports stars. It was no longer just about who had the highest batting average or the most goals; it was about narrative and platform.
The Rise of the "Specialist-Icon"
Athletes like Shohei Ohtani and Mikaela Shiffrin showed that specialization at a historic level can garner mainstream attention. In 2023, fans were captivated by the "best-ever" pursuit. Whether it was Shiffrin chasing Stenmark or Djokovic winning his 24th Grand Slam at the US Open, 2023 was a year of record-breaking.
The Power of Athlete Autonomy
Messi’s move to Miami and Simone Biles’ successful return emphasized that modern athletes have more control over their careers than ever before. Messi chose his destination based on lifestyle and business opportunities (Apple/Adidas profit-sharing), while Biles chose her return timeframe based on mental readiness. This autonomy is a recurring theme in the sports world of 2026, but it found its footing most firmly in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the most decorated athlete of 2023?
Statistically and in terms of trophies, Aitana Bonmatí was the most decorated. She won the World Cup, the Champions League, the Spanish league title, and the Ballon d'Or. In the American context, Patrick Mahomes and Shohei Ohtani shared much of the limelight due to their dominance in the NFL and MLB, respectively.
Why was Deion Sanders named Sportsperson of the Year if his team had a losing record?
Sports Illustrated's "Sportsperson of the Year" often rewards the person who had the biggest impact on the sporting conversation. Despite the Colorado Buffaloes finishing 4-8, Sanders’ influence on television ratings, merchandise sales, and the national media cycle was unprecedented for a college coach, making him the most "relevant" figure of the year in the eyes of the publication.
How many world records were set by 2023 Athlete of the Year winners?
Several. Mikaela Shiffrin set the record for most World Cup wins. Faith Kipyegon broke three world records on the track. Kelvin Kiptum and Tigst Assefa both set marathon world records. Mondo Duplantis broke the pole vault record. These performances made 2023 one of the most prolific years for record-shattering in modern history.
Was Novak Djokovic considered for Athlete of the Year in 2023?
Yes, Djokovic was a finalist for many awards, including the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year. In 2023, he won three of the four Grand Slams (Australian Open, French Open, and US Open) and reached the final of Wimbledon. While he lost out to Messi and Ohtani in some popular votes, his 2023 season is regarded as one of the best ever in men's tennis.
What made Lionel Messi’s 2023 TIME award unique?
It was the first time TIME Magazine selected a soccer player for the award specifically for their impact on the American sports market. Previous winners were often North American-based athletes (like LeBron James or Aaron Judge) or those performing in global events (like the US Women's National Team). Messi’s selection highlighted the "globalization" of the American sports consumer.
Practical Recommendation for Sports Enthusiasts
For those researching the legacy of 2023’s champions, it is recommended to review the official archives of the Associated Press and World Athletics. These organizations provide the most granular statistical data to support why these athletes were chosen. Additionally, for a deeper understanding of the cultural shifts mentioned, the TIME Athlete of the Year long-form profile on Lionel Messi offers a comprehensive look at the intersection of sports, business, and international celebrity that defined the year.
